I like this book for so many reasons. Not least because I relate to Bear – I can get a bit forgetful (and a lot) grumpy when I’m tired! Karl has such a wonderful way of conveying a story in a few lyrical words which makes this a great book for picture book readers of all ages – the very young, and also those starting to read for themselves.

There is a wonderful flow through this book, with Karl’s concise and lyrical words sweeping you along on Bear’s journey of self-discovery.Anuska’s illustrations are simply gorgeous. The colours of the forest are so warm you feel like you’re getting a cosy winter hug.

** This is from a larger review to be published on my blog 23 June**

We couldn’t get this book to work, on any of the devices we tried. We will happily review, if we can get a working copy. 3 stars just because i had to give a rating.

A Bear is a Bear by Karl Newson, 32 pages. PICTURE BOOK. Nosy Crow (Candlewick Press), 2020. $17.
Content: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
A bear is a bear, but what if he forgets? Can a bear be a bird or a fox?
I wasn’t sure what I was expecting when I picked this up, but this book ended up better than those expectations. Newson has written a charming story that is random in a silly and fun way, colorful, and rhyme-y. Nothing about this book is serious, unless you want to make it about being happy with being who you are.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Great storytime book. Simple illustrations, and I don't personally think the bear looks like much of a bear. I liked that it had a good rhythm, and that the story lent itself to discussion and imagination from children if it was being read to them.

This was a super cute book with beautiful colorful illustrations. The colors on this were a little different than other woodland books, with more pink and purple, but I really liked it.

The short rhyming sentences were easy to read, and told a story that was well-resolved by the end of the book. I think this will be one of our new favorites!

This is such a fun and silly story about an adorable bear. I really enjoyed the illustrations and rhyming prose. This would be a great addition to a young preschooler’s library.

Thank you Net Galley and Candlewick Publishing for my digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

Silly rhyming poem about a Bear who forgets who he is and tries to be other animals.

The repetition and rhyming could be fun. I picture this as an at home read, but can also see it as an opener of a convo about being who you are/copying/trying things out and finding our own ways (I’m imagining 2nd grade).

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was a short and strange little story.
It doesn't really have a lesson or reason to it, but that makes it no less adorable.
The illustrations are beautiful.
I think tiny humans will enjoy the simple rhyming text and get a giggle from the bears adventures.
Thanks to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for my DRC.

Thank you to Candlewick Press and Netgalley for the digital ARC.

I think this is an adorable picture book. The rhyme and repeated phrases are wonderful. The artwork is lovely and complements the text. This is going into the storytime pile!

“A Bear is a Bear (except when he’s not)” is a wonderful picture book that children are sure to enjoy. What happens when a bear forgets he is a bear? Perhaps he is a bird? Or a moose?
A true highlight of this book is the beautiful illustrations. They are bright, colourful, and have a unique style to them.
The text is so much fun too, with a lovely rhyming and repetitive style throughout. I can see children reciting the lines as the book goes on. It would make for a wonderful read aloud for young children.

A Bear is a Bear (except when he's not) by Karl Newson is about a bear! The bear in the story forgot that he was a bear, so he goes around thinking he is different animals. At first, he thinks he is a bird, but he cannot fly. Then, he thinks he is a moose and a fox, but quickly realizes he is not. At this point, the bear seems so sad sitting in the snow wondering what he is. Suddenly, he sees a squirrel and starts climbing up the tree after him, soon realizing that he is not a squirrel and is too high. Finally, the bear makes it back to his cave and falls back asleep because it is only December. Once he wakes up in spring, he finally remembers that he is a bear.

This was such a cute story. I loved the illustrations and rhyming throughout the book. The author did a great job of capturing how frustrated the bear must be not remembering what he is. I would buy this as a board book for Emmett if they had one, but since they don't, I would recommend this for ages 2.5 to 6 years old. This reminds me of Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman, but a better version. Except, the bear just forgot he was a bear, and the bird doesn't know who its mother is. I will definitely consider Karl Newson's books when Emmett gets older because I thought this was a cute and fun book to read.

This was a cute story about a bear basically going through an existential crisis. The text has a simple, rhyming flow that would make for a good read-aloud. We get to see the bear try to be different forest animals. We learn bear didn't necessarily forget who he is but he is tired and needs to hibernate! The illustrations are bright and colorful and cute,

Bear forgot he was a bear, so what animal should he be? Bear explores the forest but he's not any of the other animals either. I like the rhyming and repetition throughout this story. It had a really great reading rhythm. All of that makes it an engaging and super fun read for a storytime! I liked the illustrations a lot, especially Bear - he was just so round and cute. I would for recommend this to my coworkers who do storytimes and to family and friends who need a fun read.

This is the perfect book for toddlers.
The story is very simple but the rhyming prose and the beautiful and cute illustrations are really charming.
The illustations are for sure the best part of the book.

A Bear is A Bear is a cute picture book about a Bear that’s just trying to figure out who he is! The illustrations are very pleasing. Hand to kids who like other hibernation stories or stories about animals who are not sure where they fit in.

A wonderfully whimsical story about a bear. The playful illustrations immediately drew me to this book and captured my imagination. The rhyming prose made the text fun to read aloud. This book would definitely delight young readers. Thank you!

Children will be captivated by the playful rhyme and vibrant illustrations. It would be a great book for storytime themes related to animal behaviors or forest creatures. This is a very simple story in a familiar structure, but the illustrations make this book stand out among others like it.

A cute, silly story about a bear who forgets what kind of animal he is. I loved the vibrant drawings and the story reminded me of, 'Are You My Mother?' I think young readers, especially 3-4 year olds will love this book!

Thank you NetGalley and Candlewick Press for providing this ARC.

A bear is a bear except when he's not is about a bear who forgets that he's a bear. He tries so hard to fit in with other animals, and starts to get discouraged when he can't figure out where he belongs. Its a cute story, and I enjoyed that it wasn't everyday cliche animals in the book. It flowed very well, and is catchy. A perfect book for a toddler.

Thankyou Netgalley and publisher for providing me a e-copy in exchange for a honest review.

We LOVE this delightful little story! My kids are 3 yr old and 5 yr old so it was educational with the repetition of some of the wording. Also it kept them interested with rhymes. It’s a simple, silly story about a bear that forgets it’s a bear. The illustrations really bring out the colorful ness of the story. Highly recommend for kids in preschool to kindergarten. Also great for storytime or bedtime reading.